Young Adventist in St. Croix Uses Crochet to Bring Comfort to Cancer Patients

A Pathfinder skill learned at age 12 grows into a heartfelt outreach of compassion.

November 8, 2025 | Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI | Royston Philbert and IAD News Staff

Cancer patients at the Governor Juan Luis Medical Center in St. Croix are receiving comfort and encouragement through a simple, handcrafted gift—crocheted hats made and donated by a member of the Peter’s Rest Seventh-day Adventist Church. On October 28, church leaders joined hospital administrators as 23-year-old Leanna Carr delivered more than 35 of the warm, colorful hats to support patients undergoing treatment.

Carr, who first learned to crochet at age 12 through the Pathfinder program, has turned that skill into a quiet and meaningful ministry. Her goal, she said, is to remind patients that they are seen, supported, and loved.

“I just wanted the patients to know that someone cares,” Carr said as she presented the box of carefully crocheted hats. “I prayed while I made each one. I hope they feel God’s love wrapping around them and know they’re not alone.”

A Personal Mission of Love

Carr’s motivation is rooted in her own family’s journey. Her grandmother is a breast cancer survivor now fighting the disease for a second time.

“When I think about my grandmother and others who have struggled, I want people to feel supported,” she said. “Some don’t always have family nearby. The hats symbolize hope—they’re a reminder that God is there with them in their struggle.”

She explained that staying active in church ministries—deaconess, AV team, and Pathfinders—has helped strengthen her faith and fueled her desire to serve. “I don’t want to stray from God,” Carr shared. “Serving keeps me close to Him.”

Community and Hospital Appreciation

The donation was received by Head Nurse Anika Williams of the Medical-Surgical Unit, along with the medical center’s Chief Operating Officer, Adeline Williams-Connor, and other senior staff. Williams expressed gratitude to Carr on behalf of patients who will receive the hats in the coming weeks.

“Thank you for the wonderful and considerate contribution made to the patients,” Williams said.

Church leaders praised Carr’s example of youth-led ministry.

Pastor Earl Esdaile, who leads the Peter’s Rest congregation, described her gesture as faith in action. “This is what it means to live the gospel,” he said. “A young person taking her gifts and turning them into compassion—that is Jesus in action.”

First Elder Herman Ravariere added that supporting young people to lead strengthens the whole church. “When we encourage our young people, they shine,” he said.

NCC Youth Ministries Director Pastor Leriano Webster reflected on the significance of Carr’s service. “Pathfinders equips youth to serve with purpose,” he said. “Leanna shows that ministry isn’t just a program—it’s a lifestyle of loving others.”

Hats That Carry Hope

Carr stayed up many late nights to finish the hats, supported by Anetta Parsons, who helped coordinate the event. “I was tired,” Carr admitted, “but it was worth it.”

The hats will be distributed to cancer patients in the oncology unit next month.

Carr hopes this is just the beginning.

“I want to teach other Pathfinders and Adventurers how to crochet so they can help more people,” she said. “There are so many ways we can make a difference. You just have to choose one and start.”

“It’s okay to give back,” Carr said. “Helping others brings joy—not only to them but to you too.”